The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has reiterated the Command’s commitment to apprehending two fleeing suspects involved in the murder of Hon. Justice Azuka, a serving member representing Onitsha 1 Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly.
Speaking at a press briefing held on February 21, 2025, at the Anambra State Police Headquarters in Awka, CP Orutugu assured residents of the ongoing efforts to track down the suspects and enhance overall security across the state.
According to the Commissioner, the incident occurred on February 8, 2025, in Obosi, two days before he formally assumed office. However, upon receiving intelligence on February 18, he prioritized the investigation. He disclosed that two suspects, Ikemefuna Ossai from Delta State and Chinedu Okoli from Imo State, who served as drivers for the criminal gang, managed to escape during an operation to arrest Tochukwu Akolisa, a known receiver of stolen goods.
“In the course of the operation, Tochukwu Akolisa attempted to flee and was shot in the leg before being taken into custody. However, in the ensuing commotion, Ikemefuna and Chinedu fled in a vehicle, later abandoning it and escaping into a nearby bush. Despite an immediate pursuit, all efforts to re-arrest them have so far been unsuccessful,” CP Orutugu explained.
He assured that the Command had activated operational strategies to apprehend the suspects while also initiating disciplinary measures against officers whose lapses contributed to their escape.
Despite the setback, CP Orutugu highlighted key security achievements within the period under review, including the arrest of an armed suspect and the rescue of an abducted victim.
On February 18, at about 8:00 PM, police operatives on patrol in Upper Iweka, Onitsha, intercepted and arrested Orji Chigozie, who was found in possession of a locally fabricated Beretta pistol. Preliminary investigations linked him to criminal activities in the area, and the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further action.
In another operation, police successfully rescued a kidnapped victim in Ihiala on February 19. The victim had been abducted the previous night along Ilo Akpukwu Road, Nkwelle Ezunaka. A hot pursuit by operatives from the 3-3 Division forced the abductors to abandon an ash-colored Toyota Corolla with registration number AND 550 JD, which was reported stolen and used in the crime. The vehicle has been recovered, and efforts to track the fleeing suspects are ongoing.
CP Orutugu reaffirmed the Command’s dedication to enhancing security operations in collaboration with other security agencies and vigilante groups.
“The Nigeria Police Force will continue working closely with the military and other security stakeholders to improve tactical efficiency, disrupt criminal activities, and maintain a safe environment for all residents of Anambra State,” he said.
He urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could aid crime prevention and investigation.